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Disclosure Brochure
March 31, 2025
VISIONARY WEALTH ADVISORS, LLC
a Registered Investment Adviser
1401 South Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 700
St. Louis, Missouri 63144
(314) 764-2727
www.visionarywealthadvisors.com
information about
is available on
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Visionary Wealth
Advisors, LLC (hereinafter “VWA” or the “Firm”). If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact the Firm at this telephone number listed above. The information in this brochure has not been
approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or by any state securities
authority. Additional
the SEC’s website at
the Firm
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The Firm is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level
of skill or training.
Disclosure Brochure
March 31, 2025
Item 2. Material Changes
In this Item, VWA is required to discuss any material changes that have been made to the brochure
since the last annual amendment dated March 31, 2024.
There are no material changes to report.
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Item 3. Table of Contents
Item 2. Material Changes ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Item 3.
Table of Contents............................................................................................................................................ 3
Item 4.
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5.
Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................................. 9
Item 6.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management............................................................................ 13
Item 7.
Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ...................................................................... 13
Item 9.
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................................... 16
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................................................... 16
Item 11. Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 13. Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................................... 21
Item 15. Custody ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Item 16.
Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................................. 23
Item 17. Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................................. 23
Item 18. Financial Information .................................................................................................................................... 23
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Item 4. Advisory Business
VWA began conducting investment advisory services in March 2014 and is principally owned by the Firm’s
President, Timothy Hammett, and Chief Executive Officer, Brett Gilliland. As of December 31, 2024, VWA
had approximately $2,857,606,496 of client assets under management, the majority of which (99%) was
managed on a discretionary basis. For a current number of assets under management, please consult your
investment advisor.
VWA offers a variety of advisory services, which include financial planning, consulting, and investment
management. Prior to VWA rendering any of the foregoing advisory services, clients are required to enter
into one or more written agreements with VWA setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the
advisory relationship (the “Advisory Agreement”).
While this brochure generally describes the business of VWA, certain sections also discuss the activities of
its Supervised Persons, which refer to the Firm’s officers, partners, directors (or other persons occupying a
similar status or performing similar functions), employees, contractors, or any other person who provides
investment or financial planning services on VWA’s behalf and is subject to the Firm’s supervision or control.
Supervised Persons that provide advisory services on behalf of VWA are also known as Investment Adviser
Representatives (“IARs”). IARs may be employees or independent contractors of VWA.
VWA’s IARs are located in a number of offices in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. While all VWA IARs
share a common association with VWA, their individual investment philosophies and the types of
investment philosophies and strategies they use may differ significantly. Consequently, VWA does not
necessarily provide customers who have similar investment objectives or risk tolerances the same
investment strategies or advice. Customers should, therefore, select the VWA IAR whose investment
philosophy and strategy is consistent with, among other things, the customer’s investment objectives, risk
tolerances, and investment experience.
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Disclosure Brochure
March 31, 2025
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
VWA offers clients a broad range of value-based financial planning and consulting services, which may
include any or all of the following functions:
•
Retirement Planning
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Business Planning
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Cash Flow Forecasting
Risk Management
•
Charitable Giving
Trust and Estate Planning
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Distribution Planning
Financial Reporting
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•
•
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Investment Consulting
Tax Planning
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•
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Insurance Planning
Manager Due Diligence
In performing these services, VWA is not required to verify any information received from the client or from
the client’s other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.,) and is expressly authorized to rely on
such information. VWA may recommend clients engage the Firm for additional related services, its
Supervised Persons in their individual capacities as registered representatives of a broker-dealer and/or
other professionals to implement its recommendation. Clients are advised that a conflict of interest exists
if clients engage VWA to provide additional fee-based services. Clients retain absolute discretion over all
decisions regarding implementation of their plan and are under no obligation to act upon any of the
recommendations made by VWA under a financial planning or consulting engagement. Clients are advised
that it remains their responsibility to promptly notify the Firm of any change in their financial situation or
investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising VWA’s recommendations and/or
services.
Investment Management Services
VWA manages client investment portfolios on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. VWA primarily
allocates client assets among various mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), individual equities,
cash equivalents, and model portfolios designed or managed by IARs or independent investment managers
(“Independent Managers”) in accordance with the client’s stated investment objectives.
Where appropriate, the Firm may also provide advice about any type of legacy position or other investment
held in client portfolios. Clients may engage VWA to manage and/or advise on certain investment products
that are not maintained at their primary custodian, such as variable life insurance and annuity contracts
and assets held in employer sponsored retirement plans and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 401(k) or 529
plans). In these situations, VWA directs or recommends the allocation of client assets among the various
investment options available with the product. These assets are generally maintained at the underwriting
insurance company or the custodian designated by the product’s provider.
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VWA tailors its advisory services to meet the needs of its individual clients and seeks to ensure, on a
continuous basis, that client portfolios are managed in a manner consistent with those needs and
objectives. VWA consults with clients on an initial and ongoing basis to assess their specific risk tolerance,
time horizon, liquidity constraints and other related factors relevant to the management of their portfolios.
Clients are advised to promptly notify VWA if there are changes in their financial situation or if they wish
to place any limitations on the management of their portfolios. Clients may impose reasonable restrictions
or mandates on the management of their accounts, if VWA determines, in its sole discretion, the conditions
would not materially impact the performance of a management strategy or prove overly burdensome to
the Firm’s management efforts.
Clients have the option of utilizing model-based investing programs through separately managed accounts.
VWA offers model portfolios, in which VWA and its IARs select a model portfolio of investments (“Model
Portfolio”) designed or approved by VWA’s Investment Committee or a third-party portfolio strategist
(“Independent Manager”) to allocate an investor’s portfolio across different asset classes, consistent with
the client’s stated investment objective. VWA’s Investment Committee or the Independent Manager is
responsible for selecting the asset allocation and specific investments within a Model Portfolio, and
modifying the investments to maintain consistency with the Model Portfolio’s stated goals and targets. The
client authorizes VWA and the IAR to have discretion to buy and sell securities by executing the Account
Agreement and Application.
Whether or not a client uses a Model Portfolio, VWA also offers model accounts, in which VWA and its IARs
select a model account of securities (“Model Account”) designed or approved by VWA’s Investment
Committee or an Independent Manager to invest in a particular asset class.
Except for VWA’s Investment Committee, the Independent Managers are independent investment advisor
firms or consultants1. On an ongoing basis, the Independent Manager provides VWA with Model Portfolios
and Model Accounts that include recommended allocations and investments pursuant to a written
agreement VWA has with each respective Independent Manager. As discussed below, Independent
Managers may be authorized by clients or where appropriate, the client’s investment advisor, to actively
manage client accounts.
Sponsor and Manager of Wrap Program
VWA provides investment management services as the sponsor and manager of The Visionary Wealth
Management Program (the “Wrap Program”). Additional information about the Wrap Program offered by
VWA is available in VWA’s Wrap Brochure.
1 Clients may request a current list of Independent Managers who provide Visionary with suggested model accounts or portfolios.
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Disclosure Brochure
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Use of Independent Managers
As mentioned above, VWA may select certain Independent Managers to actively manage a portion of its
clients’ assets. The specific terms and conditions under which a client engages an Independent Manager
may be set forth in a separate written agreement with the designated Independent Manager. In addition
to this brochure, clients may also receive the written disclosure documents of the respective Independent
Managers engaged to manage their assets.
VWA evaluates a variety of information about Independent Managers, which may include the Independent
Managers’ public disclosure documents, materials supplied by the Independent Managers themselves and
other third-party analyses it believes are reputable. To the extent possible, the Firm seeks to assess the
Independent Managers’ investment strategies, past performance and risk results in relation to its clients’
individual portfolio allocations and risk exposure. VWA also takes into consideration each Independent
Manager’s management style, returns, reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing and research
capabilities, among other factors.
VWA continues to provide services relative to the discretionary or non-discretionary selection of the
Independent Managers. On an ongoing basis, the Firm monitors the performance of those accounts being
managed by Independent Managers. VWA seeks to ensure the Independent Managers’ strategies and
target allocations remain aligned with its clients’ investment objectives and overall best interests.
Use of VWA’s Investment Committee in Separately Managed Accounts
Through separately managed accounts, Clients have the option of utilizing Model Portfolios or Model
Accounts designed or approved by VWA’s Investment Committee or Independent Manager. Because VWA
retains both the Program Fee and Separately Managed Account Fee if a Model Portfolio or Model Account
designed or approved by VWA’s Investment Committee is selected instead of a Model Portfolio or Model
Account designed by an Independent Manager, VWA has a financial benefit if IARs recommend and select
a Model Portfolio or Model Account designed or approved by VWA’s Investment Committee. Although
this conflict is mitigated by the fact that the IAR does not share in the fee paid to VWA for strategist
services, clients should be aware of the conflicting interests in evaluating the advice and services the client
receives and selects.
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Disclosure Brochure
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Model Portfolios
VWA designs or utilizes different types of Model Portfolios to meet the varying needs of clients. Individual
advisors, or the client with the assistance of the advisor, selects the Model Portfolio and provides advice
based on the client’s individual needs. VWA’s Investment Committee has designed or chosen Model
Portfolios to implement a number of investment strategies, including those described below. The Model
Portfolios seek to generate capital appreciation while assuming a reasonable amount of risk. The Portfolios
are intended to take advantage of market opportunities that will occur or persist over a three-to-five-year
time frame. It is important to note that no methodology or investment strategy is guaranteed to be
successful or profitable.
•
Conservative. This investment strategy invests primarily in fixed income with small allocations to
domestic and foreign equity in effort to produce current income with limited risk to capital. VWA
designs different versions of Conservative Model Portfolios, for example, for investors who wish to
allocate to potentially tax-free municipal bonds or solely utilize index funds.
•
Moderate Conservative. This investment strategy also invests primarily in fixed income assets, but
with a higher allocation to equity investments than the conservative strategy. The primary objective
of this strategy is to produce current income with a secondary objective of capital appreciation.
•
Balanced. This investment strategy invests primarily in equity based investments including large,
medium, and small capitalized domestic stocks, as well as developed and emerging international
market equities. Additionally, VWA may include other asset classes such as real estate,
commodities, or alternative investments in order to provide growth or reduce volatility. The
balanced strategy also includes a significant allocation to fixed income securities to provide income
as well as reduce overall portfolio volatility.
•
Moderate Aggressive. This investment strategy has a higher equity allocation than the balanced
strategy, but still maintains a fixed income allocation to reduce overall portfolio volatility. The
primary objective of this strategy is capital appreciation.
•
Aggressive. This investment strategy seeks to achieve higher returns than other model portfolios
and invests primarily in equity investments with a minimal allocation to fixed income. VWA may
include other asset classes such as real estate, commodities, or alternative investments in order to
provide growth or reduce volatility. The objective of this strategy is capital appreciation.
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Disclosure Brochure
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Model Accounts
In contrast to Model Portfolios, which allocate a client’s investments across multiple asset classes, Model
Accounts are designed to focus on a single, or limited number of, asset classes, such as classes of equity
securities, fixed income or alternatives.
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
VWA offers services on a fee basis, which may include fixed fees, flat fees, as well as tiered fees based
upon assets under management and/or advisement. Additionally, certain of the Firm’s Supervised
Persons, in their individual capacities, may offer securities brokerage services under a separate
commission-based arrangement.
Financial Planning and Consulting Fees
VWA may elect to charge a fixed, project-based fee to provide clients with comprehensive financial
planning and/or consulting services under a stand-alone engagement. These fees are negotiable, but
generally range from $500 to $15,000 on a fixed fee basis, depending upon the scope and complexity of
the services to be rendered. If the client engages the Firm for additional investment advisory services, VWA
may offset all or a portion of its fees for those services based upon the amount paid for the financial
planning and/or consulting services.
The terms and conditions of the financial planning and/or consulting engagement are set forth in the
Financial Planning Advisory Agreement (”FPAA”) and VWA generally requires one-half of the fee payable
upon execution of the FPAA. The outstanding balance is generally due upon delivery of the financial plan
or completion of the agreed upon services. The Firm does not, however, take receipt of $1,200 or more in
prepaid fees in excess of six months in advance of services rendered.
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Disclosure Brochure
March 31, 2025
Investment Management Fees
VWA offers investment management services for an annual fee based on the amount of assets under the
Firm’s management. This management fee generally ranges up to 125 basis points (1.25 %), depending on
the size of a client’s portfolio, in accordance with the following fee schedule (the management fee schedule
below excludes the Separately Managed Account Fee charged for Model Portfolios and Model Accounts as
discussed below):
PORTFOLIO VALUE
BASE FEE
Up to $250,000
$250,001 - $500,000
$500,001 - $750,000
$750,001 - $1,000,000
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000
Above $5,000,000
1.25 %
1.20 %
1.15 %
1.05 %
1.00 %
Negotiable
The annual fee is prorated and charged quarterly, in advance, based upon the market value of the assets
being managed by VWA on the last day of the previous billing period. If assets in excess of $10,000 are
deposited into or withdrawn from an account after the inception of a billing period, the fee payable with
respect to such assets is adjusted to reflect the interim change in portfolio value. For the initial period of
an engagement, the fee is calculated on a pro rata basis. In the event the advisory agreement is terminated,
the fee for the final billing period is prorated through the effective date of the termination and the
outstanding or unearned portion of the fee is charged or refunded to the client, as appropriate.
The annual fee for prior Sterling Capital Management (“SCM”) clients whose Wealth Management
Agreement was assigned to VWA on January 1, 2019 is prorated and charged quarterly, in arrears, based
upon the closing market value of the assets being managed by VWA on the last day of the billing quarter.
In the event the advisory agreement is terminated, the fee for the final billing period is prorated through
the effective date of the termination. If assets in excess of $100 are deposited into or withdrawn from an
account after the inception of a billing period, the fee payable with respect to such assets is adjusted to
reflect the interim change in portfolio value.
Fee Discretion
IARs may, in their sole discretion, negotiate to charge a lesser fee based upon certain criteria, such as
anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be
managed, related accounts, account composition, pre-existing/legacy client relationship, account
retention and pro bono activities, among others. Before signing an Advisory Agreement, please discuss
fees thoroughly with your IAR.
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Disclosure Brochure
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Additional Fees and Expenses
In addition to the advisory fees paid to VWA, clients may also incur certain charges imposed by other third
parties, such as broker-dealers, custodians, trust companies, banks and other financial institutions
include securities brokerage
(collectively “Financial Institutions”). These additional charges may
commissions, transaction fees, custodial fees, fees attributable to alternative assets, reporting charges,
fees charged by the Independent Managers, margin costs, charges imposed directly by a mutual fund or
ETF in a client’s account, as disclosed in the fund’s prospectus (e.g., fund management fees and other fund
expenses), deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund
fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. The Firm’s brokerage
practices are described at length in Item 12, below.
For clients or IARs that choose to utilize the Model Portfolio or Model Account services, additional fees
may be assessed related to portfolio strategy design and management. If a client invests in a Model
Portfolio or Model Account designed, approved, or implemented by VWA’s Investment Committee,
whether or not part of the wrap fee program, VWA charges an additional amount up to 0.50%, depending
on the Model Portfolio or Account selected, as a fee for such Model Portfolio or Model Account design and
implementation services. This may be referred to as a “Program Fee” or “Separately Managed Account
Fee” on client statements or disclosure documents.
If the client or IAR chooses a Model Portfolio or Model Account designed by an Independent Manager,
whether or not part of the wrap fee program, VWA charges the amount of the Independent Manager’s fee
in addition to the Program Fee. The fees of Independent Managers may vary, but as of the date of this
brochure range from 0.20-1.50%.
In providing ongoing advice and management for the account, the IAR may recommend or select a Model
Portfolio or Model Account that would result in higher fees than it would if another Model Portfolio or
Model Account were recommended or selected. IARs do not participate in the revenue generated from
program or separately managed account fees.
Direct Fee Debit
Clients generally provide VWA and/or certain Independent Managers with the authority to directly debit
their accounts for payment of the investment advisory fees, although there is no requirement to do so.
The Financial Institutions that act as the qualified custodian for client accounts, from which the Firm retains
the authority to directly deduct fees, have agreed to send statements to clients not less than quarterly
detailing all account transactions, including any amounts paid to VWA. Alternatively, clients may elect to
have VWA send a separate invoice for direct payment via a check. VWA does not accept credit card or
cash payments.
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Disclosure Brochure
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Account Additions and Withdrawals
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to VWA’s right to
terminate an account. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that the Firm reserves the right to
liquidate any transferred securities or declines to accept particular securities into a client’s account. Clients
may withdraw account assets on notice to VWA, subject to the usual and customary securities settlement
procedures at the qualified custodian. However, the Firm generally designs its portfolios as long-term
investments and the withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s investment objectives.
VWA may consult with its clients about the options and implications of transferring securities. Clients are
advised that when transferred securities are liquidated, they may be subject to transaction fees, short-
term redemption fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (e.g., contingent deferred sales charges)
and/or tax ramifications.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
VWA does not provide any services for a performance-based fee (i.e., a fee based on a share of capital
gains or capital appreciation of a client’s assets).
Item 7. Types of Clients
VWA offers services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, business entities,
and retirement plans. We may also provide investment advisory services to clients of other advisors,
pursuant to contractual relationships with those advisors.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
VWA utilizes a combination of fundamental, technical and cyclical methods of analysis while employing an
asset allocation strategy based on a derivative of Modern Portfolio Theory (“MPT”). Fundamental analysis
involves an evaluation of the fundamental financial condition and competitive position of a particular fund,
issuer, or company. For VWA, this process typically involves an analysis of an issuer’s management team,
investment strategies, style drift, past performance, reputation, and financial strength in relation to the
asset class concentrations and risk exposures of the Firm’s model asset allocations. A substantial risk in
relying upon fundamental analysis is that while the overall health and position of a company may be good,
evolving market conditions may negatively impact the security.
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Technical analysis involves the examination of past market data rather than specific issuer information in
determining the recommendations made to clients. Technical analysis may involve the use of mathematical
based indicators and charts, such as moving averages and price correlations, to identify market patterns
and trends which may be based on investor sentiment rather than the fundamentals of the company. A
substantial risk in relying upon technical analysis is that spotting historical trends may not help to predict
such trends in the future. Even if the trend will eventually reoccur, there is no guarantee that VWA will be
able to accurately predict such a reoccurrence.
Cyclical analysis is similar to technical analysis in that it involves the assessment of market conditions at a
macro (entire market or economy) or micro (company specific) level, rather than focusing on the overall
fundamental analysis of the health of the particular company that VWA is recommending. The risks with
cyclical analysis are similar to those of technical analysis.
MPT is a mathematical based investment discipline that seeks to quantify expected portfolio returns in
relation to corresponding portfolio risk. The basic premise of MPT is that the risk of a particular holding is
to be assessed by comparing its price variations against those of the market portfolio. However, MPT
disregards certain investment considerations and is based on a series of assumptions that may not
necessarily reflect actual market conditions. As such, the factors for which MPT does not account (e.g., tax
implications, regulatory constraints and brokerage costs) may negate the upside or add to the actual risk
of a particular allocation. Nevertheless, VWA’s investment process is structured in such a way to integrate
those assumptions and real life considerations for which MPT analytics do not account.
Risk of Loss
Market Risks
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and all investors should be guided
accordingly. The profitability of a significant portion of VWA’s recommendations and/or investment
decisions may depend to a great extent upon correctly assessing the future course of price movements of
stocks, bonds and other asset classes. There can be no assurance that VWA will be able to predict those
price movements accurately or capitalize on any such assumptions.
Mutual Funds, ETFs, and Equities
An investment in a mutual fund or ETF involves risk, including the loss of principal. Mutual fund and ETF
shareholders are necessarily subject to the risks stemming from the individual issuers of the fund’s
underlying portfolio securities. Such shareholders are also liable for taxes on any fund-level capital gains,
as mutual funds and ETFs are required by law to distribute capital gains in the event they sell securities for
a profit that cannot be offset by a corresponding loss.
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Shares of mutual funds are generally distributed and redeemed on an ongoing basis by the fund itself or a
broker acting on its behalf. The trading price at which a share is transacted is equal to a fund’s stated daily
per share net asset value (“NAV”), plus any shareholders fees (e.g., sales loads, purchase fees, redemption
fees). The per share NAV of a mutual fund is calculated at the end of each business day, although the actual
NAV fluctuates with intraday changes to the market value of the fund’s holdings. The trading prices of a
mutual fund’s shares may differ significantly from the NAV during periods of market volatility, which may,
among other factors, lead to the mutual fund’s shares trading at a premium or discount to actual NAV.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the secondary
market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is generally calculated at least
once daily for indexed based ETFs and potentially more frequently for actively managed ETFs. However,
certain inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a premium or discount to their pro rata NAV. There
is also no guarantee that an active secondary market for such shares will develop or continue to exist.
Generally, an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as creation units (usually 20,000 shares or more).
Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may
have no way to dispose of such shares.
Clients should be aware that closed-end funds available within the program may not give investors the
right to redeem their shares, and a secondary market may not exist. Therefore, clients may be unable to
liquidate all or a portion of their shares in these types of funds. While the fund may from time to time offer
to repurchase shares, it is not obligated to do so (unless it has been structured as an "interval fund"). In
the case of interval funds, the fund will provide limited liquidity to shareholders by offering to repurchase
a limited amount of shares on a periodic basis, but there is no guarantee that clients will be able to sell all
of the shares in any particular repurchase offer. The repurchase offer program may be suspended under
certain circumstances.
Investments in smaller-capitalized stocks are often more difficult to liquidate than larger-capitalized stocks.
Clients should be aware that this risk is presents itself in addition to the market risk identified above.
Use of Independent Managers
As stated above, VWA may select certain Independent Managers to manage a portion of its clients’ assets.
In these situations, VWA continues to conduct ongoing due diligence of such managers, but such
recommendations rely to a great extent on the Independent Managers’ ability to successfully implement
their investment strategies. In addition, VWA does not have the ability to supervise the Independent
Managers on a day-to-day basis.
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Interest Rate Risk.
This is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of an increase in interest rates; a
bond or a fixed income fund with a longer duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than
a bond or bond fund with a shorter duration.
Credit Risk.
This is the risk that an investor could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security is
unable or unwilling to meet its financial obligations.
Alternative Strategy Mutual Funds.
Certain mutual funds available in the program invest primarily in alternative investments and/or strategies.
Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves
special risks, such as risks associated with commodities, real estate, leverage, selling securities short, the
use of derivatives, potential adverse market forces, regulatory changes and potential illiquidity. There are
special risks associated with mutual funds that invest principally in real estate securities, such as sensitivity
to changes in real estate values and interest rates and price volatility because of the fund’s concentration
in the real estate industry. These types of funds tend to have higher expense ratios than more traditional
mutual funds. They also tend to be newer and have less of a track record or performance history.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
VWA has not been involved in any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s evaluation of
its advisory business or the integrity of its management. Some of VWA’s IARs have legal disclosures which
pre-date their relationship with VWA. Please visit https://www.investor.gov/CRS for a free and simple
search tool to research our firm and our financial professionals.
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Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Licensed Insurance Agents
A number of the Firm’s Supervised Persons are licensed insurance agents and may offer certain non-
advisory insurance products on a fully-disclosed commissionable basis. A conflict of interest exists to the
extent that those Supervised Persons offer non-advisory insurance products in their separate capacity as
licensed insurance agents, as the Supervised Persons may be entitled to insurance commissions or other
additional compensation. VWA requires that its Supervised Persons always act in the best interest of the
client (including the sale of commissionable products), and clients are in no way required to implement any
insurance transactions through any Supervised Persons in their separate capacity as licensed insurance
agents.
Item 11. Code of Ethics
VWA has adopted a code of ethics in compliance with applicable securities laws (“Code of Ethics”) that sets
forth the standards of conduct expected of its Supervised Persons. VWA’s Code of Ethics contains written
policies reasonably designed to prevent certain unlawful practices such as the use of material non- public
information by the Firm or any of its Supervised Persons and the trading by the same of securities ahead
of clients in order to take advantage of pending orders.
The Code of Ethics also requires certain of VWA’s personnel to report their personal securities holdings
and transactions and obtain pre-approval of certain investments (e.g., initial public offerings, limited
offerings). However, the Firm’s Supervised Persons are permitted to buy or sell securities that they also
recommend to clients if done in a fair and equitable manner that is consistent with the Firm’s policies and
procedures. This Code of Ethics has been established recognizing that some securities trade in sufficiently
broad markets to permit transactions by certain personnel to be completed without any appreciable
impact on the markets of such securities. Therefore, under limited circumstances, exceptions may be made
to the policies stated below.
When the Firm is engaging in or considering a transaction in any security on behalf of a client, no Supervised
Person with access to this information may knowingly effect for themselves or for their immediate family
(i.e., spouse, minor children and adults living in the same household) a transaction in that security unless:
the transaction has been completed;
•
the transaction for the Supervised Person is completed as part of a batch trade with clients; or
•
a decision has been made not to engage in the transaction for the client.
•
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These requirements are not applicable to: (i) direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii)
money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase
agreements; (iii) shares issued by mutual funds or money market funds; and (iv) shares issued by unit
investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more mutual funds.
Clients and prospective clients may contact VWA to request a copy of its Code of Ethics.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Recommendation of Broker/Dealers for Client Transactions
VWA recommends that clients utilize the custody, brokerage and clearing services of Charles Schwab
Advisor ServicesTM (“Schwab”), Raymond James Financial (“Raymond James”), or Fidelity Investments
(“Fidelity”) for investment management accounts. The qualified custodians will hold client assets in a
brokerage account and will buy and sell securities when VWA instructs it to do so. While VWA may provide
a brokerage recommendation, the client may choose any of these custodians with which to open an
account.
Factors which VWA considers in recommending Schwab, Raymond James, Fidelity, or any other broker-
dealer to clients include their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research and
customer service.
Schwab, Raymond James, and Fidelity have agreed to compensate investment management clients for
certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with transitioning accounts onto its platform. Fidelity,
Schwab, and Raymond James enable the Firm to obtain many mutual funds without transaction charges
and other securities at nominal transaction charges. The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by
Fidelity, Schwab, and Raymond James may be higher or lower than those charged by each respectively or
other Financial Institutions.
The commissions or transaction fees paid by VWA’s clients to Fidelity, Schwab, and Raymond James comply
with the Firm’s duty to obtain “best execution.” Clients may pay commissions that are higher than another
qualified Financial Institution might charge to effect the same transaction where VWA determines that the
commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In
seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the
transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a Financial
Institution’s services, including among others, the value of research provided, execution capability,
commission rates and responsiveness. VWA seeks competitive rates but may not necessarily obtain the
lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
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Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to certain
broker/dealers in return for technology, investment research products and/or services which assist VWA
in its investment decision-making process (“soft dollars”). Such soft dollars generally will be used to service
all of the Firm’s clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for soft dollars
that are not used in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of soft dollars as well as the allocation of
the benefit of such investment research products and/or services poses a conflict of interest because VWA
does not have to produce or pay for the products or services.
VWA periodically and systematically reviews its policies and procedures regarding its recommendation of
Financial Institutions in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
Software and Support Provided by Financial Institutions
VWA may receive without cost from Fidelity, Schwab, and Raymond James computer software and related
systems support, which allow VWA to better monitor client accounts maintained at Fidelity, Schwab, and
Raymond James. VWA may receive the software and related support without cost because the Firm
renders investment management services to clients that maintain assets at Fidelity, Schwab, and Raymond
James. The software and support is not provided in connection with securities transactions of clients. The
software and related systems support may benefit VWA, but not its clients directly. In fulfilling its duties to
its clients, VWA endeavors at all times to put the interests of its clients first.
Clients should be aware, however, that VWA’s receipt of economic benefits from a broker/dealer creates
a conflict of interest since these benefits may influence the Firm’s choice or recommendation of
broker/dealer over another that does not furnish similar software, systems support or services.
Specifically, VWA may receive the following benefits from Fidelity, Schwab, or Raymond James:
including document preparation and delivery.
•
Support for transition of client accounts,
Reimbursement for Transfer of Account Exit Fees to facilitate a smooth client transition;
• Receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements;
• Access to a trading desk that exclusively services its institutional traders;
• Access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions and then
allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts;
• Access to an electronic communication network for client order entry and account information;
The ability to deduct advisory fees directly from client accounts;
•
• Access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers; and
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• Discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or
services provided to the Firm by third party vendors.
Some of the products and services made available may benefit VWA but not directly its client. These
products or services may assist VWA in managing and administering client accounts, including accounts not
maintained at the respective Financial Institution. Other services made available by the Financial Institution
are intended to help VWA manage and further develop its business enterprise. The benefits received by
VWA’s participation in the program do not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions directed to the
Financial Institution.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
VWA does not consider, in selecting or recommending broker/dealers, whether the Firm receives client
referrals from the Financial Institutions or another third party.
Directed Brokerage
The client may direct VWA in writing to use a particular Financial Institution to execute some or all
transactions for the client. In that case, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the account
with that Financial Institution and the Firm will not seek better execution services or prices from other
Financial Institutions or be able to “batch” client transactions for execution through other Financial
Institutions with orders for other accounts managed by VWA (as described above). As a result, the client
may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs, greater spreads or may receive less favorable net
prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. Subject to its duty of best
execution, VWA may decline a client’s request to direct brokerage if, in the Firm’s sole discretion, such
directed brokerage arrangements would result in additional operational difficulties.
Commissions or Sales Charges for Recommendations of Securities
As discussed above, certain Supervised Persons in their respective individual capacities are registered
representatives of PKS. These Supervised Persons are subject to FINRA Rule 3040 which restricts registered
representatives from conducting securities transactions away from their broker-dealer unless PKS provides
written consent. Therefore, clients are advised that certain Supervised Persons may be restricted to
conducting securities transactions through PKS if they have not secured written consent from PKS to execute
securities transactions though a different broker-dealer. Absent such written consent or separation from
PKS, these Supervised Persons are prohibited from executing securities transactions through any broker-
dealer other than PKS under its internal supervisory policies. The Firm is cognizant of its duty to obtain best
execution and has implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed in such pursuit.
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Trade Aggregation
Transactions for each client generally will be effected independently, unless VWA decides to purchase or
sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. VWA may (but is not obligated
to) combine or “batch” such orders to obtain best execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates
or to allocate equitably among the Firm’s clients differences in prices and commissions or other transaction
costs that might not have been obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this
procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price and allocated among VWA’s clients pro rata
to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client on any given day. To the extent that the Firm
determines to aggregate client orders for the purchase or sale of securities, including securities in which
VWA’s Supervised Persons may invest, the Firm generally does so in accordance with applicable rules
promulgated under the Advisers Act and no-action guidance provided by the staff of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. VWA does not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of
the aggregation.
In the event that the Firm determines that a prorated allocation is not appropriate under the particular
circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other relevant factors, which may include: (i) when
only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the account with the smallest
order or the smallest position or to an account that is out of line with respect to security or sector
weightings relative to other portfolios, with similar mandates; (ii) allocations may be given to one account
when one account has limitations in its investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other
securities which are expected to produce similar investment results and can be purchased by other
accounts; if an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an allocation, shares
may be reallocated to other accounts (this may be due to unforeseen changes in an account’s assets after
an order is placed); (iv) with respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash;
(v) in cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis allocation in
one or more accounts, the Firm may exclude the account(s) from the allocation; the transactions may be
executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining accounts; or (vi) in cases where a small proportion of an
order is executed in all accounts, shares may be allocated to one or more accounts on a random basis.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Account Reviews
VWA’s Supervised Persons monitor client portfolios on a continuous and ongoing basis while regular
account reviews are conducted on at least a quarterly basis. Such reviews are conducted by the Firm’s
Principals and/or investment adviser representatives. All investment advisory clients are encouraged to
discuss their needs, goals and objectives with VWA and to keep the Firm informed of any changes. The
Firm contacts ongoing investment advisory clients at least annually to review its previous services and/or
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recommendations and quarterly to discuss the impact resulting from any changes in the client’s financial
situation and/or investment objectives.
Account Statements and Reports
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account statements
directly from the Financial Institutions where their assets are custodied. From time-to-time or as otherwise
requested, clients may also receive written or electronic reports from VWA and/or an outside service
provider, which contain certain account and/or market-related information, such as an inventory of
account holdings or account performance. Clients should compare the account statements they receive
from their custodian with any documents or reports they receive from VWA or an outside service provider.
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Client Referrals
In the event a client is introduced to VWA by either an unaffiliated or an affiliated solicitor, the Firm may
pay that solicitor a referral fee in accordance with applicable state securities laws. Unless otherwise
disclosed, any such referral fee is paid solely from VWA’s investment management fee and does not result
in any additional charge to the client. If the client is introduced to the Firm by an unaffiliated solicitor, the
solicitor is required to provide the client with VWA’s written brochure(s) and a copy of a solicitor’s
disclosure statement containing the terms and conditions of the solicitation arrangement. Any affiliated
solicitor of VWA is required to disclose the nature of his or her relationship to prospective clients at the
time of the solicitation and will provide all prospective clients with a copy of the Firm’s written brochure(s)
at the time of the solicitation.
Other Economic Benefits
Any material economic benefits received by the Firm are disclosed in Item 12 above.
Item 15. Custody
Custody, as it applies to registered investment advisors, is defined as having access or control over client
funds or securities. Custody is not limited to physically holding client funds or securities. If an investment
advisor could “access” or “control” the distribution of funds or securities, the investment advisor is deemed
to have custody and must ensure proper procedures are implemented. VWA does not maintain physical
custody of client assets; rather, all client assets are held by the client’s qualified custodian.
For the accounts in which VWA is deemed to have custody, the Firm has established procedures to ensure
all client funds and securities are held at a qualified custodian in a separate account for each client under
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that client’s name. Clients, or an authorized representative of the client, will direct, in writing, the
establishment of all accounts and therefore are aware of the qualified custodian’s name, address, and the
way funds or securities are maintained. Additionally, the firm follows certain safe harbors to avoid the
regulatory requirement of an independent audit on these types of accounts.
The VWA Wealth Management Agreement, or an agreement with a separately managed account manager,
may authorize VWA or independent managers to debit a client account for payment of the Firm’s advisory
fees and to directly remit those funds to the Firm in accordance with applicable custody rules. The financial
institutions that act as the qualified custodian for client accounts, from which the Firm retains the authority
to directly deduct fees, have agreed to send statements to clients not less than quarterly detailing all
account transactions, including any amounts paid to VWA. The account custodian does not verify the
accuracy of our advisory fee calculation. VWA encourages all its clients to review account statements for
fee accuracy.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
VWA may be given the authority to exercise discretion on behalf of clients. VWA is considered to exercise
investment discretion over a client’s account if it can effect and/or direct transactions in client accounts
without first seeking their consent. VWA is given this authority through a power-of-attorney included in
the agreement between VWA and the client. Clients may request a limitation on this authority (such as
certain securities not to be bought or sold). Specifically, VWA takes discretion over the following activities:
The securities to be purchased or sold;
•
The amount of securities to be purchased or sold;
•
• When transactions are made; and
The Independent Managers to be hired or fired.
•
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Declination of Proxy Voting Authority
VWA generally does not accept the authority to vote a client’s securities (i.e., proxies) on their behalf.
Clients receive proxies directly from the Financial Institutions where their assets are custodied and may
contact the Firm at the contact information on the cover of this brochure with questions about any such
issuer solicitations.
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Item 18. Financial Information
VWA is not required to disclose any financial information due to the following:
•
The Firm does not require or solicit the prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months or
more in advance of services rendered;
•
The Firm does not have a financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet
contractual commitments to clients; and
•
The Firm has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten years.
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